I want to become a vegan...?!
I want to become a vegan...?
i am14 and you may all think im mad but i want to become a vegan. i am already a vegetarian and have been for 3 years... any vegans out there to give me some advice?
Answers:
i'd be happy to give you some advice. First of all, make sure this is something you can commit to. examine your reasons for doing this-ethics, health, etc.- and commit to them. If you don't have solid reasons, then you won't stick to it. Second, buy some vegan cookbooks (they make a few single-serving cookbooks and cookbooks for students... read the amazon reviews before buying them or you'll wind up with a complicated book you'll never use!) Third, talk to your parents and make sure they are going to be able to accomodate you. Tell them why it's important to you and that you don't want the whole family to bend over backwards for you, but that your serious about it. Show them the cookbooks, offer to help if they think it's going to be a pain. If they won't accomodate you, plan a way to get around their nonsupportiveness (maybe you'll have to start using those cookbooks). Stake out a few local places that serve vegan food or are vegan friendly. Familiarize yourself with animal product ingredients... you'll have to start reading labels (it gets really easy fast), so hit the internet. Pick up a multivitamin and a B supplement: unless you plan on being super-vegan and eating nothing but the perfect green meals, you WILL need to supplement. Hit the internet and do a little research on what your new dietary needs will be: nothing is more ebarassing that getting in a fight with womoene about the healthiness of a vegan diet and then passing out a few days later from malnutrition because you were living off of potato chips and vegan jelly beans. Join a few vegan groups online where you can get information and, ask question, and get support while you get on your feet. Finally, know that your doing what's right for you, so don't complain about what you miss! Just enjoy what you are doing instead. I spent the first year of being vegan whining about how much i missed mac and cheese and then i realized there was so much really delicious food out there... focusing what you gave up just makes it hard and miserable and shuts your eyes to the doors you open. Veganism doesn't have to limit your choices; you just need to be adventurous; try middle eastern food, indian food, vegetable sushi, etc. a lot of cuisine outside of the states is vegan or can be made vegan really fast. Hope that helps. Welcome to the 1%!
Source(s):
www.veganessentials.com (food stuffs, etc)
www.veganporn.com (it's not porn, honest, it's a forum)
www.bboheme.com (nonleather shoes, bags, belts, etc)
www.alternativebaking.com (best vegan cookies)
www.veganoutreach.com (order a starter pack)
dont do it meat is the greatest
Good for you!
Try to remember it is not about you and your likes and dislikes...it is about the cruelty inflicted on animals that we / you need to stay focused on...this will get you through the cravings. That along with all the wonderful dairy and egg alternatives out there!
It is said that when you go vegan you save 90 animals lives per year on average! Isn't that great?
In regards to the person that said "meat is great"...even if you lke meat, you can know that by not contributing to the insanity of slaughtetring 10 BILLION animals per year, (this is "mad"!), you are also helping to save the environment, give desperately needed food to the poor and hungry throughout the world. (90% of the worlds grain goes to animals for slaughter...which could have gone to a starving population instead), and improving your health immensely!
Bless you in your search for truth and compassion and awesome good health! Learn more at the websites below.
PS:...why would we think you are "mad"? Do you know that a million people a year are turning vegetarian?...when someone asks you if you are vegan? look at them unbelievably as if you are wondering why they ask (with all the evidence) and say "Of course! most people are now-a-days...aren't you?"
I can't exactly say that I am a vegan b/c i am a vegetarian but i don't eat meat, poultry, fish, broth from meat, anything that i know has touched meat, anything that comes form meat, and certain candy, but i do consume dairy and eggs ONLY if baked into something (i.e. ONLY bread products) or if it is in cheese. But i do have vegan friends and I would say do,do, do read all of the ingredient labels on items before you eat them. Especially if you are adiment about being vegan. Oh and good luck with it because i am not you sure i personally am strong enough to handle being vegan because i love grilled cheese sandwiches.
Good for you! Make sure you know how to eat properly to stay healthy, and if you have any specfic questions feel free to send me a PM, I'd be happy to help!
you're making a great choice! first i would eliminate the easy things, for example replace your milk with soymilk, yogurt with soy yogurt, etc.
That is great and tell your doctor and see if they have any advice also tell your parents about this.
why Indian food and vegetarians is good good food. i like vege.
You eat just Indian food i am sure you like that.